Odd Thoughts

Larry Doby, 1923-2003 Larry Doby,

Larry Doby, 1923-2003
Larry Doby, the second black player in Major League Baseball (first AL player),
died Wednesday evening. Before tonight, that is about all I could have told you
about his career. Before sharing some of the fruits of my research I have to say
that he must have been an exceptional man of character to be chosen as one of
the first black players. Given the general unfair treatment, name calling, and
death threats that the early blacks received only the most cool headed, patient,
and respectful players were chosen, and Doby must have been exceptional among
his peers. Doby finished second in AL MVP voting in 1954 with 32 home runs and
126 RBI's which led the league in both categories. In a career that spanned from
1947 to 1959 Dody played 1,553 games (mostly in the outfield) with 1,515 hits,
253 home runs, 970 RBI's, and .273 batting average. Doby was inducted to the
Hall of Fame in 1998. His Hall of Fame plaque reads:
Exceptional athletic prowess and a staunch constitution led to a successful
playing career after integrating the American League in 1947. A seven-time
All-Star who batted .283 with 253 home runs and 970 RBI in 13 Major League
seasons. The power-hitting center fielder paced the A.L. in home runs twice and
collected 100 RBI five times, while leading the Indians to pennants in 1948 and
1954. Appointed manager of the White Sox in 1978, the second African-American to
lead a Major League club. Played four seasons with Newark in the Negro National
League. Following player career worked as a scout and Major League Baseball
executive.